Tuesday, 9 December 2014

There's no doubt that many of us, certainly those reading this, would be lost without their internet connection. And IT generally brings us so many wonderful insights and ideas. But. It sure does challenge us at times! I've had all sorts of problems with my new PC which have severely tested both my patience . .. and my faith.

It struck me that all this amazing technology needs a prayer of its own. So here's one I prepared earlier:

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

I was reminded of this the other day whilst seeking the
advice of my local computer shop: faced with a new PC I was re-installing all my
favourite programs and, in downloading the Firefox browser had inadvertently
also downloaded some ad-ware: persistent pop-up ads. We had agreed how alert we
have to be for things that are not what they seem; how aware we need to be of
potential deception and how ready to take decisive action against those with ulterior
motives.

Whether it’s bullying from a colleague, aggressive door-to-door
or telephone salesmen, IT based spams or scams, we are pretty much all exposed,
day-in-day-out to individuals driven to get one over on us. Whether we like it
or not, we have to be constantly on our guard against those for whom co-operation
and compassion are alien concepts. If we were to look at the background of such
individuals, at their upbringing, we would probably find reasons galore for their
attitudes and behavior. There may be selfish genes at work, but it is almost
certainly conditioning and circumstances that have taken hold of the ‘survival
of the fittest’ motivation and run with it. They probably had little choice. In
the same circumstances we, you or I, may have done the same.

But, as any fan of
Disney or Pixar animations will affirm, it is possible to overcome the tyrant,
the evil witch . . . or their real-life equivalent, whatever form they may
take: physical or virtual. Courage and compassion, we know, deep down, will win
out in the end. Somehow we have to be a-lert to cunning plans, aware of selfish
intent and stand-up for the greater good. It’s often not easy, but we owe it to
those who have given their lives for such causes.

On this Remembrance Day, as we reflect on the courage and
sacrifice of those who have had to fight real, physical wars, we might ask ‘how
can we best show our respect, solidarity and gratitude?’ By being alert, by showing
compassion; by being firm . . . . but kind.

Friday, 1 August 2014

Pratchett’s Discworld novels are always an excellent read (we
rely on them to help us through long train and plane journeys) and this is one
of the best. With Ankh-Morpork threatened by a magic super-weapon (which the
wizards have nothing to do with) so the eccentric yet believable Watch save the
day. With Carrot, the 6’ 6” dwarf, courting and his boss, Vimes, getting married
into the gentry, duty still comes first.

Light yet deep, this Discworld volume, perhaps more than
others explores so many real-life issues with insight and awareness. You think
we, in human society, have problems with ethnic issues? Try adding trolls,
dwarfs and werewolves to the mix! And what about this: wolf + human = dog.
Fascinating.

As I laughed and cried reading Men At Arms, I wasn’t consciously thinking of the parallels between
Discworld and Earth, but my mind was inevitably making them . . .and I smiled
even more! Thinking of studying sociology or psychology? You might learn just
as much reading Pratchett . . . and
probably have more fun in the process.

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

As I write this, soccer fans from all over the globe will have just returned
home from their pilgrimage to the World Cup in Brazil, Tennis fans will be
reliving their pilgrimage to Wimbledon and Cricket fans are at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Committed gardeners will be planning
their pilgrimage to next year’s Chelsea Flower Show. It is not just religious faiths
that have pilgrimages: but what is it that makes a good one?

What sporting, religious and any other pilgrimage have in
common is that they are journeys to somewhere meaningful to the pilgrim; they
are a special, usually long-distance, trek to somewhere or something that it
beyond the ordinary. Pilgrimages are about stepping outside our daily
existence, giving ourselves the opportunity to experience this particular
journey with more depth, more meaning that we would normally engage with life.
Given how routine and ordinary day-to-day worlds tend to be, probably explains
why so many individuals choose to make a pilgrimage at least once in their
life. It is a personal quest, a commitment as much to oneself as to whatever
our end-point is.

And, in good paradoxical manner, pilgrimages are also about
companionship: they are shared journeys with companions who share the passion
and intent of this particular journey – be ita world championship or sacred shrine. Through common commitment and
interest a pilgrimage enables each individual to feel what it is like to be
part of a collective: that unique sense of being part of something greater than
oneself.

Pilgrimages also, by their nature, tend to be long journeys
lasting many days, weeks or even months. Often over unknown and difficult
terrain they test our resourcefulness, patience, courage and faith. As such,
the real journey of a pilgrimage is a ‘journey to self’, an opportunity to find
out what we can do . . . when freed from life’s routine. How do we cope with
the back-pack or throbbing blisters that threaten the enjoyment of the process?
On a pilgrimage there is no turning back, no denial of such pains: but an
honest facing of the realities of the moment, be it whilst lost and alone on a deserted mountain . . .
or during a profound moment of bliss . . . as you feel at one with your fellow pilgrims.

About Me

I see education as far more than the teaching of facts & theories: it needs to inspire and enable students, at all ages and in all subjects, to find their niche in life.
To be both effective and enjoyable any form of teaching or learning has to recognise humans as thinking and feeling beings.
I see my role as enabling your true, inner sense of self and helping you fulfill your real, deeper needs. Without this intent, what IS the point!?